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3 Tips for Overcoming Social Awkwardness

Everyone feels a little socially awkward from time to time. But with these simple steps, becoming a social butterfly is possible.

1. Remember your place. While the title of this entry may sound harsh, what I mean is that we all are far more focused on ourselves than we are on each other. When you take a second to remember everyone you’ve ever met, you’ll find that you don’t judge them as harshly as you judge yourself. If you keep that comparison in mind, then some of the anxiety that can come with socializing will be alleviated. People tend to judge themselves quite harshly and are far more forgiving with other people. If you remember that standard, then you can preemptively make yourself feel better for everything embarrassing that you’ve ever done. You may be beating yourself up, but no one else is.

2. Remember your regrets. Obviously, you shouldn’t linger on things that you can’t change. But if you do take the time to remember times you let your social anxiety get in the way of going out and have a fun night, you might remember some regrets. I find that when I feel anxious about going out, remembering times that I talked myself out of a good night, and regretted not going, helps me to put things in perspective. If it’s a bad night, what’s the worst that can happen? And if it’s a good night, you’ll be glad you went instead of talking yourself out of it.

3. Know your limits. When it comes to overcoming social awkwardness, you absolutely should push yourself to try to overcome your personal anxieties. But don’t push yourself so far that you feel regretful of what would otherwise be fun. If your friends are going to the mall, and you have issues with crowds, then don’t go to the mall. But you should push yourself to a small party if you can. Remember to not be too hard on yourself and to expand your horizons.